Spencer takes up Kings role

Former New Zealand fly-half Carlos Spencer will take charge of the Eastern Province Kings during this year's Currie Cup tournament.

Former New Zealand fly-half Carlos Spencer will take charge of the Eastern Province Kings during this year's Currie Cup tournament.

Spencer, whose swashbuckling style of rugby won global admiration during a 35-cap Test career, will be the head coach charged with ensuring a swift return to Super Rugby for the Kings.

The 38-year-old was previously assistant to John Plumtree at the Sharks, but moves from Durban to Port Elizabeth this year after the Kings were relegated from Super Rugby in their maiden season during 2013.

"There are obviously challenges ahead, in terms of the head coach role, but I'm excited about it and looking forward to it and I feel I have the right people here to help me as well," Spencer told New Zealand media.

"It's going to take a lot of work and I'm not expecting too much out of this first Currie Cup, I just want to see the team being competitive. If anything happens above that, it's a bonus."